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Name:	wayoutboard -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/6/2013 10:16:23 PM

have seen this question many times on this forum. Today discovered the best way to clean mildew on boat seats. Magic Eraser made by Mr. Clean is great. Just wipes mildew off with no scrubbing. Try it, it really works.

Name:	Decker -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/8/2013 3:55:37 PM

I've known about Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for some time now. Wal-Marts generics work the same, only cheaper. Recently looked up the 'magic' ingredients in them by pulling up an MSDS. I won't spoil the surprise by posting it here, but you WILL BE surprised.

Name:	Chris4x4gill2 -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/8/2013 3:56:33 PM

Your actually doing more damage to your seats than good with a Magic Eraser. Thats a very abrasive cleaner and is eating away the seat vinyl as you rub. By removing the top layer that conatins the UV protectant, the spots you just "cleaned" will yellow over time.

a good seat vinyl cleaner (even a diluted bleach solution) is better for long life of your vinyl. Followed by plenty of sunlight and then a good rub down with some 303 solution will keep your vinyl looking new for years to come.

Name:	CAT BOAT -	Reply
Subject:	Yup
Date:	7/8/2013 4:25:33 PM

Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/8/2013 6:24:55 PM

I found this a while back when looking at this product.....

http://home.howstuffworks.com/magic-eraser1.htm

URL:

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Huh?
Date:	7/8/2013 7:17:02 PM (updated 7/8/2013 7:19:56 PM)

Since when did you start cutting and pasting someone's post? Atypical for you... BTW, the gray Sea Doo only runs on one cylinder until it gets good and warm. Change plugs for starters? Anything other I should check? Once the other cylinder starts firing it runs fine.

Name:	spyke420 -	Reply
Subject:	Huh?
Date:	7/8/2013 9:51:51 PM

What?who said that? Whos on first?

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	Huh?
Date:	7/8/2013 10:14:50 PM

BTSOOM.

Name:	MrHodja -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/8/2013 10:22:48 PM (updated 7/8/2013 10:23:22 PM)

The following is a post from PhilChristensen, a boat reupholsterer. One would think he should know about boats and mildew. Here it is: "I have had several people ask lately, how long should I expect my upholstery to last. Hard to answer but here goes. When it comes to cost, upholstery is a close second to engine replacement. Taking care of "what ya got" is important. That is the big variable when trying to answer the big question. The first boat I upholstered was my own over 10 years ago. In that time I have fought the mold, pollen, and walking wear pattern areas. My regiment is normally a good cleaning using Starbrite Mold and mildew remover, followed by 303 protectant. When using the mold remover, it always goes on dry seats and is massaged in with a stiff bristle brush. When the mold disappears, soap and water what you just cleaned. Do not try to do the whole boat at once. 1 or 2 seats at a time. You do not want this product to dry on the seats. After all your seats have been cleaned and have dried, use the 303 as you would Armoral on your car. Spray on and wipe off. Believe it or not I only do this whole thing once a year. Sometimes mid season some mold rears its ugly head on a few spots, so I just spot clean them. I do also give the girls in the stable a bath every 2 or 3 weeks with just soap and water. So in that 10 years on my first upholstered boat, I have had to replace the skin on one seat. It's the one that is stepped on when people get in. The swim platform is due this year due to the sun pounding it in my boathouse. I don't cover the boat much in the summer. Can you just upholster one seat and it match?? Yes, will your upholstery job last 10 years? Not if you do not use good quality materials. Upholstery work cost is about 85% labor when it comes to cost, so, why would you not use the best for your customers?? Recently I have been on a few estimates where my bid was $3,000 higher than "the other guy"! Really? Do you want to go with the lower bid? Just ask the guy on the estimate I gave him to re cover the boat he had just done 3 years earlier. He was sick. His words when we parted company,, "I certainly got what I paid for" there are a few professional shops around the lake and ours on the lake. Please choose one of us who will be here in 10 years to match the one seat!! If it sounds cheap, or $3000 less than the other guy, or no absolute promise of a finish date, beware. On average a full pontoon recover takes us 2 weeks. During busy times, 3. Will you loose the use of your boat for that whole time?? Not if you use our shop. We can pull a few at a time. While you are working 9-5 during the week, when you get here for the weekend, your boat has a few new seats on it. Same for the next week. Convenience is our main goal for our customers. I hope this helps anyone this year taking care of their boat or looking to redo their seats. Phil Christensen. Pushwater Marine Upholstery. 256-675-0194 "

Name:	4thelake -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/9/2013 9:05:36 AM

Thanks for the repost. I still cannot figure out why anyone would not use a product not specifically intended for vinyl. I just finished the mid season cleanup on my Mastercraft (the now 10 year old upholstery job) and was amazed again! The starbright mold and mildew remover did its magic again. If I could figure out how to post pics, I would put some up. I only use the iPad now and could not even put pics of the boat I have for sale on here. Again, don't experiment on an investment that could potentially cost you $6000 if it fails. Starbrights only costs $15 at full marina prices. Will take about 1 1/2 bottles for a large pontoon. Cheap insurance. Lastly I can tell you that not one stitch has deteriorated on my boat using this product. Phil. PS. If anyone can tell me how to post pics here I would love to know. Again. I use the iPad only.

Name:	blmeanie -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/12/2013 11:03:04 PM

I have Tried many vinyl cleaning products yet still have black dots etc. forming. I can't figure out how to post a picture to show. I bought star bright vinyl cleaner and wax, it is a milky white liquid that with a brush didn't make much progress. Suggestions? Bleach mix?

Name:	blmeanie -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/13/2013 11:44:15 AM

here is a picture

Name:	4thelake -	Reply
Subject:	cleaning boat seats
Date:	7/14/2013 12:02:08 PM

Read the posts above. A reinvented mouse trap still only catches mice!

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